Earth Science and Applications from Space: A Community Assessment and Strategy for the Future

Project Scope

The Space Studies Board, in consultation with other units of the NRC, lead a study to generate consensus recommendations from the Earth and environmental science and applications community regarding a systems approach to space-based and ancillary observations that encompasses the research programs of NASA and the related operational programs of NOAA. The study was conducted in a manner similar to previous NRC "decadal" studies.

The study, which was carried out over a two-year period, was intended to:1. Articulate priorities for Earth system science and the space-based observational approaches to address those priorities. 2. Establish individual plans and priorities within the sub-disciplines of the Earth sciences as well as an integrated vision and plan for the Earth sciences as a whole.

A key feature of the study was its consideration of observations requirements for research and for a range of applications with direct links to societal objectives.

An interim report was released in 2005.

This project was funded by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Note (10/20/2006): The scope of the project was expanded and the project's duration has been extended to include: (a) an analysis of the impact of the changes to the NPOESS program and the development of a strategy to mitigate the impact of the changes; and (b) a prioritization of capabilities that were lost or placed at risk following the changes to NPOESS and strategies to recover those capabilities.